Interesting Times with Ross Douthat A Defense of U.S. Intervention in Venezuela
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Jan 7, 2026 
Elliott Abrams, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy official and former envoy for Venezuela under Trump, advocates for vigorous regime change in Venezuela. He emphasizes the humanitarian and geopolitical imperatives of removing Maduro, while dissecting the Trump administration's current strategy. Abrams proposes a negotiated transition involving amnesty and international mediation. He also explores past U.S. engagements, military options, and the influence of external players like Russia and Iran, questioning the administration's priorities and effectiveness.
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Venezuela's Regional Security Toll
- Venezuela's collapse under Chávez and Maduro created the largest refugee flow in Latin American history and regional instability.
- Elliot Abrams argues regime change would benefit Venezuelans and regional security by removing Cuban, Iranian, Russian, and criminal influence.
Foreign Militants And Drone Risks
- The Maduro regime enabled Iranian and Hezbollah activity via blank passports and drone assistance.
- Abrams warns those ties create direct security threats reaching beyond the hemisphere, potentially to the U.S.
Venezuela's Role In Cocaine Transit
- Venezuela is a significant transit node for Colombian cocaine that flows east into Venezuela and out by air and sea.
- Abrams says cocaine trafficking through Venezuela affects Europe and the U.S., with groups like the ELN operating in western Venezuela.